Stephanie Linus Daily

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  • ARE YOU LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE!

    What does it mean to “live your best life?”

    We ask four women.

    “Living my best life is having the resources to do whatever I dream of. I am a beautician. I would like to own a range of products some day, like Rihanna; but there’s more to it than just dreaming about it, and even if I work hard enough, I still may not be able to get enough funds to be as big as I want to in my business. If I am able to ever get to that point of being an international beautician, that would be me reaching my tallest goals and living my best life. Right now, I’m just getting by. I am not sad or anything like that o! I am hopeful, I work hard and I keep the dream alive. So I will not say I am living my best life just yet. Time and chance will come.” – Theresa, 31

    “I started life early. I was done with school at 21 years, got a good job, moved into my own apartment by 23, travelled a lot… I have created some of the best memories a woman at 26 could possible dream of. I have always felt I was living my dreams, but I didn’t really see it as living my best life. There’s still so much I want for myself. Do you believe I still feel like I am not good enough even with everything I have achieved? It’s the impostor syndrome robbing me of complete happiness. I celebrated my 26th birthday in January, and having all the people I love throw a surprise party meant a lot to me. So I think, even if my mind isn’t yet catching up with my truth, my heart knows I am privileged, blessed and truly living a good life (may be not “best life” yet).” – Oluwaseun, 26

    “I think living your best life can be described by pockets of events that mean so much to you. Living your best life doesn’t happen every hour. There will always be challenges. For instance, I have a new baby and I don’t feel like this is my best life. I am always tired, and baby is always crying. LOL! But I understand that this is what I prayed for, so having it is answered prayer. Regardless of the challenges of nurturing what I got, I think it is important to say that this is the blessing I asked for, therefore this shows that I am getting what I want from life and it doesn’t get any better than that.” – Nduka, 29

    “Living my best life is travelling, loving on those who love me, having financial authority over my needs, looking good, eating right, deleting toxicity from my life, renewing my energy, creating safe spaces for my wellbeing, expressing the contents of my heart, and enjoying life the way I deserve. I am ticking the boxes one after the other.” – Gloria, 48

    How will you describe “living your best life”?

  • HELLO, SIS! WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?

    We’ve got some cool recommendations!

    Here are 7 books, recommended by various sites (and a summary), you should own as a black woman discovering more of herself:

    Finding Me – Viola Davis: “the book hides nothing as it unravels a story of hope, survival and acceptance of self”

    I Know Why the Caged Bird Sing – Maya Angelou: “a coming-of-age story that demonstrates strength of character”

    Ordinary People – Diana Evans: “an intimate story of identity and parenthood, building on the fragile architecture of love”

    Becoming – Michelle Obama: “the book captures experiences on racism and sexism, and how it shaped the life of Michelle”

    Americanah – Chimamanda Adichie: “the book focuses on denying true self and emotion, but finding joy in authenticity”

    There Are More Beautiful Things than Beyonce – Morgan Parker: LOL! Shocking title, right? But it’s all for the love of Beyonce. The book is “a dynamic poetry collection that expresses the social narratives surrounding contemporary black womanhood”

    Beloved – Toni Morisson: “the novel chronicles the life of a black woman held prisoner by the memories of the trauma of her life as a slave”

    Happy reading! xoxo

  • HEY, MARCH! WHAT DO YOU HAVE FOR US?

    It’s a New Month!

    We ask four women what expectations and aspirations they have for March:

    “They just announced a new president of Nigeria. Although this is not what we prayed for, I hope we survive it. I hope Nigeria does not erupt. This is the only country I have. My family, my business, my income. I don’t have the energy to fight. I just want to find a way to survive Nigeria.” – Ekwy

    “I have plans to travel to two countries this month. Bags are packed and I am looking forward to the adventure. I have spent my entire life taking care of others, it is time to prioritize myself and see what is out there. Maybe I would find my prince charming at my destination. LOL!” – Yolanda

    “I am not good with resolutions, and I try not to have too many expectations. After living 35 years of my life constantly planning and strategizing, I am taking a break and letting life take me through the path already planned by me and endorsed by the universe.” – Nnenna

    “I am looking forward to more opportunities. It is the last month of the first quarter of the year, I am tempted to bring out the score sheet and start to check how well I have done, but that is just my OCD talking. I am looking forward to an amazing March, and I wish that for Nigeria.” – Mirian

    Happy New Month, everyone!

    xoxo

  • NIGERIA ELECTION: ARE YOU READY FOR THE FUTURE?

    Paraphrasing a former US president quote, “The future of this republic is in the hands of the Nigerian voter”.

    As we go out this Saturday to VOTE for the next president of Nigeria, let us leave you with some important quotes for the most important position in any country – the position of the CITIZEN.

    May God guide our decisions:

    “Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.” – Sharon Salzberg

    “Talk is cheap, voting is free; take it to the polls.” – Nanette L. Avery

    “The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.” – John Lewis

    “It’s not enough to just want change, you have to go and make change by voting.” – Taylor Swift

    “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King

    “There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter. It all matters.” – Barack Obama

    “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln

    “The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.” – John F. Kennedy

     “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.” Perecles

    GOD BLESS NIGERIA.

  • SISTERHOOD: HOW A FRIEND SUPPORTED ANOTHER THROUGH HEARTBREAK

    Ever experienced heartbreak? How did you handle it?

    Here’s how Olubunmi helped her friend through her heartbreak.

    “I’ve known Ifeoma for seven years. When I met her, she was engaged, but he broke it off when he travelled to the US. She started dating someone else. She was so committed to the relationship, it only seemed right that it would lead to marriage. Three years later, he eventually proposed after what seemed like a lot of pressure. They moved in together and I was happy for Ifeoma because I knew this was what she wanted. I expected the wedding plans to kick off immediately, but time went by and not a word about it. I would ask casually, and she would shrug. I noticed she was losing weight and looking really sad and even distracted. She was never available to hang out, and she would go days without calling back. Finally, she told us (her friends) that he was cheating and she had been begging him to stop. She went as far as going on her knees to beg him, she called a family meeting that pissed him off, and she even called the other girl to beg her to leave her man. As far as I was concerned, it was pitiful and I wanted her to stop! She said she had invested too much in the relationship and couldn’t imagine herself leaving. So the other friends told her to make demands from him, drag him (and his side chick) on social media and stuff like that. I insisted that was not the way to go. This was her second major heartbreak, and Ifeoma wasn’t ready to do it any other way. She wanted revenge. And so she listened to the other girls and decided to embarrass her fiancé and his side chick at a restaurant. It didn’t end well. He kicked her out of the house (even though they both paid rent). Though he eventually broke up with the side chick, he started dating someone else and never took Ifeoma back.

    Ifeoma was devastated and all she thought about was how to destroy him. She was ready to lose everything. She even said the only thing that would give her peace is seeing him suffer; it was that deep. She decided to go spiritual. That was when I had to really step in. I immediately reported her to her mother and also to elder brother. They scolded her like a child and it made her feel worse, but it stopped her from going all the way to becoming a vile human being.

    She didn’t speak to me for one whole year, but we eventually made up and I told her the best way to get over him was to focus on developing herself. She took her skincare more seriously, she invested more in her business and even got a brand expert to position her business properly online. I told her to use her money for her own soft life and not for any man. Now she does a lot of travelling. She also got a nice place, got a nice car – things she was always skeptical of getting because she didn’t want to scare men away. She started living a life without waiting for approval from a man.

    Ifeoma is the kind of woman who believes life is all about finding a spouse, and if that doesn’t happen then your life is miserable. I had to teach her many ways to be happy without being fixated on men and marriage.

    Fast forward to 2022, Ifeoma has been to more than ten countries, her business makes millions of naira in profits, she is more confident, prettier, and doesn’t ignore red flags in relationships.

    She is currently dating, but she isn’t fussing over the man to become a husband. She is simply having a good time and letting things happen as they should. My friend has come a long way, and I am happy to be part of this journey.

    PS: Oh! I should mention that her ex-fiancé tried to come back when he encountered the brand new Ifeoma on Instagram, but my girl wasn’t having it!

  • ELECTION WEEK: BIBLE AFFIRMATIONS OF HOPE

    As Nigerians get set to VOTE for the next president, here are few Bible affirmations to keep hope alive. May God see us through. Amen:

    “O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption.” – Psalm 130: 7

    “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.” – Jeremiah 17:7

    “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

    “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” – Daniel 12:3

    “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

    “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9

    “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

    “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

    “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:18

    “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17

    “Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 24:14

    xoxo

  • THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF OATMEAL

    JOIN OUR TRIBE OF HEALTHY LIVING.

    Do you know oatmeal is one of the most nutritious breakfast you can have?

    This also applies to oatmeal swallow, you can have with your favourite soup.

    Try GREEN VALLEY OATMEAL – American blend, 100% natural whole grain.

    Join Stephanie Linus on this conscious journey to healthy living.

    Enjoy GREEN VALLEY OATMEAL as a cereal or as a form of swallow.

    *It gives you the benefits you deserve:

    *Lowers blood sugar levels.

    *Supports healthy cholesterol level

    *Provides antioxidants.

    *Promotes healthy bacteria in your gut.

    *Helps you to feel full to manage your weight.

    *Eases constipation.

    *Relieves skin itching and irritation.

    *Lowers your chance of colon cancer.

    As for GREEN VALLEY OTAMEAL at your local stores.

    Be health conscious. Enjoy life.

    Want a FREE pack of GREEN VALLEY OATMEAL? Drop a comment; what’s your favourite meal time: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner?

    Instagram: @greenvalleyoatmeal @stephaniedailyblog

  • QUOTE OF THE DAY

    Making smart choices should be the way you approach life every day. Have it in your survival kit, in your soft-life kit, business kit, and life kit! Making smart choices is the flex the world says it is. It saves you from unnecessary drama, it protects you from situations that can destroy, it preserves you and creates the path to live a life full of beauty.

    Do not underestimate your power to choose or decide what is best for you.

    Make smart decisions about the lover in your life. Make smart decisions about friends. Make smart decisions about your job. Make smart decisions about the activities that take up your time. Make smart decisions on family.

    The goal is to surround yourself with people who reflect the life you consciously and deliberately design for yourself, and surround yourself with things, ambitions and experiences that propel you towards your desired goal.

    When you know you are WORTHY, then you will naturally think of how you want to be treated and how you want your life to be. You choose how people treat you, because it is in your power to design your life through smart thinking and smarter decision making.

    Make smart decisions, darlings.

    xoxo

  • TRAVEL: SAFEST DESTINATIONS FOR BLACK WOMEN

    We hope you have plans to travel this year? Join the growing number of black women exploring the world.

    Travelling is an essential part of living a soft, colourful and adventurous life. We want this for you, dear readers.

    Here are SIX countries that are safe for black women travelling solo or as a group, and what people have to say about them:

    BALI: “Bali is considered one of the safest places in the world. Bali is also known for its beautiful natural landscape, captivating cultural scene and affordability. Bali attracts digital nomads all around the world.” – Essence

    THAILAND: “Thailand has become everyone’s favourite spot. It is home to affordable vacationing. The stunning beaches, food, nightlife, and temples make every day adventurous. The natives of the island are also warm and kind, especially to women.” – Travel Noire

    COLOMBIA: “The South American country of Colombia is known for its vibrant culture, warm and welcoming people, and flavorful cuisine. The country elected its first Black women Vice President this year, so it’s no surprise that it would be a haven for Black women. The port city of Cartagena has a strong African influence. Black culture is acknowledged and celebrated openly with many locals of African descent proud to declare that they love being Black. January through March is the best time of year to visit for great weather and beach time.” – Funtimes magazine

    “Colombia is brimming with incredible things to see and experience. It belongs at the top of your travel bucket list. Amazing street art, incredible sites, unparalleled nightlife, gorgeous beaches, delicious food—the list goes on and on. Also, Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea so you get the best of both worlds.” – Essence magazine

    GHANA: “In 2019, Ghana started to invite people of African descent to visit with the promise of easier visa applications and a year-long calendar of culturally immersive events, dubbing it the “Year of Return”. Since then, many have been traveling back to Ghana to connect with their ancestral roots, so there has never been a better time for Black women to travel to the country in West Africa. Ghana is relatively safe and so many beautiful places to visit.” – Stephanie Yeboah

    PORTUGAL: “Portugal is considered a super progressive and diverse country. There’s very little crime and you basically won’t encounter any catcalling or harassment. The main crime travelers should be aware of is pickpocketing, but if you pay attention to your surroundings and you’re smart about how you pack and carry your belongings, you shouldn’t have to worry about this. From Lisbon to Porto to Lagos, you’re sure to find a good, and safe, time full of adventure, or relaxation. This should be on your list.” – Student Universe

    CANADA: “Canada is on so many lists of safest countries. The people are friendly and welcoming. The country is clean and beautiful. One of the top spots for experiencing the country’s love for African culture is Montreal where you can see the Pan-Atlantic International Film Festival in April each year. Another great city to visit is Quebec, which is considered to be one of the safest and friendliest places you can visit in the world. Solo travelers will find the country accessible as there are lots of things to see and do on your own.” – Student Universe

    Explore your world, ladies! FLY! xoxo

  • Single? Here are 5 things you can do on Valentine’s Day!

    It’s that special day set aside to celebrate the greatest gift of all, LOVE.

    Those who are in relationships already have their plans figured out by now, yes?

    But what about YOU without that special someone to share this day with? What plans do you have?

    Don’t let the day go to waste. You too can participate in the frenzy of Valentine’s Day by loving yourself.

    Sounds like a cliché, but do it! Focus on YOU today.

    Here are FIVE things you can do on Valentine’s Day for yourself:

    BREAKFAST IN BED: Order a platter a day before, and have them deliver it to your door in the morning. Pamper yourself to breakfast in bed. You deserve it.

    WATCH A COMEDY: Treat yourself to laughter. It’ll lift your spirit.

    GO SHOPPING: Why not? Get something you really think you deserve. Spoil yourself. Love starts with you.

    SPA ON A BUDGET: Relax. Get a massage. Ask the masseuse to line up your room with scented candles. Ask for soft music in the background, then breathe!

    VOLUNTEER: Go out there and do some good for the less privileged. It is one of the best ways to spend the day, trust us!

    REFLECTING: Here’s a bonus point – You can round up the day with dinner in a restaurant with live music. Eat, dance and be happy. Life is good.

    Lastly, don’t forget to reflect on your life and find many things to be grateful for. You may not have a partner right now, but you have LOVE – God’s Love. And for this love, you are able to start afresh everyday. His love is sufficient.

    HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!